Summer farming at fäbod and seter: knowledge, traditions… (Norway, Sweden)
Nomination: Representative List 2024
EN: In late spring or early summer the animals are taken from the homestead to the summer farm in the outlying lands. Sometimes this is a local festivity. Historically one would walk, today using a tractor and trailer is more common
EN: Visitors enjoying the hospitality and cultural landscape of a summer farm. It is a place to reconnect with nature and detach from the stress of modern society. Most summer farms welcome visitors, although not all are open to the public
EN: The practice is traditionally transmitted through families staying and working together at the summer farm
EN: Construction of traditional roundpole fences. Fences are essential to keep the grazing animals away from the meadows before hay harvest. The poles and rails of spruce are tied together. Different regions have their own way of constructing these fences
EN: Whereas the modern hay harvesting most often is mechanised, harvesting with scythes is still carried out at some summer farms to keep the knowledge alive. The harvesting is often followed by a celebration
EN: School children learn how milk is produced and try out milking the cows during a visit. It is important to learn where food comes from and differences between production systems
EN: A schoolboy learns to separate the milk into skimmed milk and cream, to be processed into different food products. Separating takes time and is hard work
EN: An Austrian intern acquire practical training in summer farming and traditional cheese making. Through her internship, knowledge of summer farming in Scandinavia and the Alps was shared
EN: Visitors enjoying the hospitality of the summer farm and appreciating the serving of traditional food. Different regions often have distinctive summer farm dishes, mainly based on milk. Along with the meal, the story of the summer farm is told.
EN: A concert with the traditional birch trumpet at a summer farm. At some summer farms birch trumpets may still be used to protect the grazing animals from predators
